10 Best Things to Do in Canberra

Looking for what to do in Canberra? Australia’s meticulously planned capital is a city of profound national symbolism, world-class cultural institutions, and stunning natural beauty, all arranged with a designer’s eye for symmetry and space. Unlike any other Australian city, Canberra was born from a vision—Walter Burley Griffin’s winning plan that wove government, nature, and community into a cohesive whole. This is a city where grand monuments and national museums line the shores of a serene man-made lake, where the bush feels ever-present at the end of every street, and where the story of a nation is thoughtfully curated and openly presented. Far from the political caricature, Canberra rewards travellers with a calm, organised, and deeply enriching experience that blends outdoor adventure, architectural appreciation, and an unparalleled dive into Australian identity.

From the halls of power and poignant memorials to interactive science centres, panoramic lookouts, acclaimed cool-climate wineries, and pristine alpine national parks, here are the 10 best things to do in Canberra. This guide is crafted for travellers who enjoy culture, learning, and the outdoors, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Australia’s capital.

1. Stand at the Political Heart in Parliament House

More than just a government building, Parliament House is a masterful architectural statement and the symbolic core of Australian democracy. Deliberately built into the summit of Capital Hill, its vast, grass-covered roof allows the people to literally stand above their representatives. A walk across this lawn to the towering 81-metre stainless-steel flagpole is a powerful experience in itself.

Inside, the scale and artistry are breathtaking. Free guided tours lead you through the vast Marble Foyer, the public galleries of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the Great Hall, home to the monumental tapestry based on an Arthur Boyd painting. The building is filled with an impressive collection of Australian art and historic documents. Whether parliament is sitting (you can watch question time) or not, a visit here provides a tangible understanding of Australia’s political processes and the visionary design that makes this one of the world’s most accessible seats of power.

2. Reflect and Remember at the Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is arguably the nation’s most sacred secular site—a place of profound remembrance, world-class museum, and national archive. Far from a sombre relic, it is a deeply moving and immersive experience that personalises the cost of war. Its galleries take you on a chronological journey through Australia’s military history, from colonial conflicts to contemporary peacekeeping, with an extraordinary collection of aircraft, dioramas, personal letters, and interactive displays.

The heart of the Memorial is the Hall of Memory, beneath the stunning dome mosaic, and the tranquil Pool of Reflection. The daily Last Post Ceremony at 4:45 pm is a must-attend, a respectful and deeply affecting ritual that honours a specific fallen service member. Positioned at the foot of Mount Ainslie at the end of the ceremonial Anzac Parade, its alignment with Parliament House creates a powerful visual axis symbolising that the nation’s freedom was won by those it commemorates.

3. Discover Artistic Treasures at the National Gallery of Australia

Housing the nation’s premier art collection, the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) is a treasure trove of creativity. Its expansive holdings span Australian, Indigenous, Asian, European, and American art across all periods. The gallery’s Australian collection is unparalleled, featuring iconic works by the likes of Sidney Nolan, Arthur Streeton, and Margaret Preston.

A particular highlight is the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, displayed in a dedicated wing that celebrates over 60,000 years of continuous cultural expression. Don’t miss the serene Sculpture Garden on the lakeshore, where works by artists such as Henry Moore and Auguste Rodin are set among native plants and reflective ponds. With free general admission, the NGA is an essential stop for any art lover.

4. Unleash Your Curiosity at Questacon

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre proves that learning can be thrilling. This is not a passive museum; it’s an interactive playground of discovery designed to ignite curiosity in visitors of all ages. Across eight themed galleries, you can experience a simulated earthquake, create giant bubbles, witness lightning being made, and explore the principles of physics through hands-on experiments.

Highlights include the thrilling six-metre-high vertical slide in the “Excite” gallery and the “Wonder” space for younger children. The live science shows and presentations by enthusiastic explainers add to the engaging atmosphere. Questacon successfully demystifies complex scientific concepts, making it one of Canberra’s most popular and enjoyable attractions for families and inquisitive minds.

5. Embrace the Outdoors on and Around Lake Burley Griffin

The shimmering centrepiece of Walter Burley Griffin’s plan, Lake Burley Griffin is Canberra’s recreational and aesthetic heart. The 40-kilometre shoreline path is a vibrant artery for the city, used by cyclists, joggers, and walkers. Rent a bike, e-scooter, or paddleboard to explore from the water.

A scenic lake cruise offers a unique perspective on the city’s design and landmarks, including the Captain Cook Memorial Jet and the National Carillon. Key spots to explore include the lakeside parks like Commonwealth Park, the site of the annual Floriade festival. The lake truly comes alive at sunset, when the water reflects the colours of the sky and the illuminated monuments, creating a picture-perfect scene of the planned capital in harmony with nature.

6. Gain Perspective from Mount Ainslie Lookout

For the definitive, postcard-perfect view of Canberra’s grand design, make the journey to the summit of Mount Ainslie. The lookout provides a breathtaking panorama that perfectly illustrates Walter Burley Griffin’s geometric vision: the straight line of Anzac Parade connecting the War Memorial to Parliament House, the symmetrical basin of Lake Burley Griffin, and the city’s radiating avenues.

You can drive to the car park at the top, but the more rewarding approach is to hike the Mount Ainslie Summit Trail (or the steeper Kokoda Track Memorial Walk). The well-marked path winds through beautiful native bushland, offering glimpses of the unfolding vista. Visiting at sunrise or sunset transforms the city into a canvas of golden light and long shadows, making the effort profoundly worthwhile.

7. Unfold the Nation’s Story at the National Museum of Australia

Located on the Acton Peninsula jutting into Lake Burley Griffin, the National Museum of Australia tells the multi-layered story of the land and its people. Its architecture is bold and symbolic, with a looping “uluru line” representing the bringing together of stories. The museum’s approach is narrative-driven, using iconic objects, multimedia, and personal accounts to explore themes of land, nation, and people.

Must-see exhibits include the heart of champion racehorse Phar Lap, a Holden prototype, and the stunning Aboriginal bark painting collection. It doesn’t shy away from difficult chapters of history, such as the Stolen Generations, presenting a nuanced and inclusive view of the Australian experience. It’s a place for reflection, conversation, and connection.

8. Find Peace Among Trees at the National Arboretum Canberra

Born from the regeneration of land devastated by the 2003 bushfires, the National Arboretum is a symbol of renewal and a gift to the future. Spread across 250 hectares, it contains over 44,000 trees from more than 100 nations, including rare and endangered species. The result is a stunning landscape of sculpted forests and gardens with unparalleled views over the city and the Brindabella Ranges.

The award-winning Village Centre, with its sweeping green roof and panoramic windows, houses a café, exhibition spaces, and the fascinating bonsai collection. The Arboretum is designed for contemplation and exploration, with walking trails, a magical children’s playground (the National Playground), and vast open spaces perfect for a picnic. It’s a testament to Canberra’s deep connection to landscape and forward-thinking vision.

9. Sip and Savour in the Canberra District Wine Region

Just a 30-minute drive from the city centre, the Canberra District is one of Australia’s most exciting cool-climate wine regions. The combination of high altitude, cold winters, and warm summers produces elegant, nuanced wines, particularly renowned for Shiraz, Riesling, and increasingly, exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Spend a day touring family-owned cellar doors like the legendary Clonakilla, pioneer Lark Hill, or innovative Mount Majura Vineyard. Many wineries, such as Shaw Wines and Capital Wines, boast excellent restaurants with vineyard views, offering the perfect setting for a long, leisurely lunch of local produce paired with their finest drops. It’s a sophisticated and delicious counterpoint to the city’s cultural offerings.

10. Venture into the Wild: Namadgi National Park & Tidbinbilla

Canberra is unique among world capitals for having a wilderness area—Namadgi National Park—covering over 40% of the Australian Capital Territory. Part of the Australian Alps, Namadgi offers rugged beauty, from granite peaks and snow gum forests to alpine meadows and Aboriginal rock art sites at Yankee Hat. It’s a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and campers.

For a more accessible wildlife encounter, the adjoining Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a sanctuary where you can reliably see kangaroos, emus, koalas, and platypus in natural settings. Its wetlands, woodlands, and walking trails, including the popular Koala Path, provide a perfect family-friendly introduction to Australia’s unique fauna. These protected areas underscore that in Canberra, the bustle of national life is always just moments away from the tranquillity of the bush.

In conclusion, Canberra is a city of intention and depth. It invites you to engage with the big ideas of nationhood, to appreciate art and science, to enjoy landscapes both crafted and wild, and to reflect on history. These ten experiences provide a structured yet immersive way to discover the thoughtful, beautiful, and surprisingly lively heart of Australia.